My own Athenians face off against the most powerful force
of this age. The Persians out number us ten to one! I have
no idea how this is going to end. I am in Marathon watching the Battle of
Marathon before my own eyes. As the Greek phalanx holds steady the Persians try
to break through. Three sturdy lines of defense are in this shield-connected
wall. As the Persian archers take aim and their warriors scurry to fight the
Athenians don't seem to even blink! I am amazed!
And the war is won! The Athenians pulled it off! I never
thought this would happen. We won! We won! Let's go see what Themistocles has
to say about the battle.
"How do you think it went, Themistocles?"
"We pulled it off men!" (cheering from soldiers).
"How well prepared were the Persians?"
"Eh. They weren't that good. I thought they'd be
better!" (laughing)
"Thank you, Themistocles!" As I walked forward,
trying to find the Persian generals I step around lots of dead bodies. Seeming
mostly of Persian origin.
"General? Would you mind telling me a little bit about
the battle?"
"We lost! We lost to those educated weaklings. They're
good at fighting!"